Albion's technical director, Terry Burton, said: "We appointed Alan in the summer convinced that we had taken on one of the foremost coaches in the UK and nothing that has happened since then has altered our view.

"But sadly that simply has not translated into results and they remain the ultimate currency of Alan's position. Securing a sixth season in the Premier League is the over-riding target and sometimes unpleasant decisions have to be taken to serve that imperative.

"Alan has impressed everyone with his manner, dedication and diligence but he knows that results have simply not been good enough."

Analysis - BBC Radio 5 live's Pat Murphy

"It's very important that chairman Jeremy Peace has a plan B. The thought of being relegated is unthinkable to him after seeing the club prosper in recent seasons. The threat of relegation is uppermost in his mind.

"It remains to be seen who will replace Alan Irvine but I'm hearing Tim Sherwood is very much in the frame. The model of an overseas-style head coach being responsible to a technical director will stay, which would rule out the likes of Tony Pulis."

Irvine was subjected to chants of "you're getting sacked in the ­morning" and loud boos from his own fans during the loss at Stoke but said he could still mount a revival.